Classic Caesar Salad Recipe: Crisp, Creamy, and Irresistible

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
caesar salad recipe

Few salads have stood the test of time quite like the Caesar salad. With its crisp romaine lettuce, savory homemade dressing, crunchy croutons, and a generous shower of Parmesan, this dish delivers bold flavor in every bite. Whether you're serving it as a starter or making it the centerpiece of a light lunch, a well-made Caesar salad never disappoints. The good news is that it's surprisingly simple to pull together at home, and once you taste the real thing, the store-bought version won't cut it anymore.

A Classic Caesar Salad Worth Making Again and Again

Freshly prepared classic Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan in a white bowl

This version of Caesar salad keeps things traditional while making sure every component shines. The dressing is creamy and tangy with just the right amount of anchovy depth, the croutons are golden and crispy, and the romaine stays perfectly fresh and crunchy. It's the kind ofad that looks impressive on the table but comes together in under 30 minutes.

  1. Prepare the dressing by whisking together the minced garlic, mashed anchovies, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium bowl until combined.
  2. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing into a smooth creamy consistency.Stir in half the grated Parmesan and season the dressing generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Wash and thoroughly dry the romaine lettuce, then chop or tear it into bite-sized pieces.
  4. Place the romaine in a large salad bowl and drizzle the dressing over the top, starting with a little adding more to your taste.
  5. Toss the salad gently until all the leaves are evenly coated with dressing.
  6. Add the croutons and the remaining Parmesan, then toss once more lightly.Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan shavings and a crack of black pepper.

Easy Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing

Close-up of Caesar salad with creamy dressing drizzled over crisp romaine and golden croutons

If you've always relied on bottled Caesar dressing, this recipe will change your routine for. Making dressing from scratch takes only few minutes and difference is significant — brighter, richer, and far more satisfying. Paired with crispy homemade croutons and fresh romaine, this is salad that earns recipe card status kitchen.

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss the bread cubes with olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a littlelic powder if desired.
  2. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and crispy. Set aside to cool.
  3. Whileoutons are baking, prepare the dressing by combining the mayonnaise, lemon juice, grated garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, andrated Parmesan in a small bowl.
  4. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Place the chopped romaine in a large mixing bowl and spoon the dressing over the lettuce.Toss well to coat every leaf evenly with the creamy dressing.
  6. Add the cooled croutons and the shaved Parmesan to the bowl and give it one final gentle toss.
  7. Transfer to a serving platter or individual plates and finish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan andacked black pepper before serving right away.